When students first start their college journey they begin to adapt to a new lifestyle. Part of that new lifestyle is ditching home-cooked meals, which they will soon realize has become a thing of the past now that they’re living on their own. Eating out becomes the “norm” and that’s okay. It’s inevitable, really. Luckily, Jacksonville doesn’t lack various eating establishments. In fact, Chick-fil-A of Jacksonville just finished construction and opened its doors earlier this month.

Construction on the new Chick-fil-A started in April of this year. Though Jacksonville State University has a Chick-fil-A inside the TMB (the student commons building), there’s nothing like the original chicken sandwich from the original establishment. The citizens of Jacksonville supported Chick-fil-A by camping out the night before the grand opening on August 8, all eager and excited to be one of the first 100 customers to win part of the promotion (one free Chick-fil-A sandwich meal per week for a year). The new Chick-fil-A is located off of Pelham Road.

Another part of that new college lifestyle is doing whatever you possibly can in order to save yourself a quick buck. Some local eating establishments understand that college students are on a budget, and knowing that has caused them to offer student discounts and/or special offers for those attending the university.

The following restaurants are known to have student discounts if you bring your student ID: Dairy Queen, Jack’s, Huddle House, BoJangle’s, Papa John’s, Captain D’s, Wendy’s and Java Jolt. Most of the discounts are 10 percent, or even 20 percent.

When eating at a restaurant in Jacksonville, make sure to always bring your student ID and ask them if they offer any student discounts. Take advantage of any and all discounts, even if you’re rushing through the drive-thru; it’ll help tremendously.